Secretary Defence Speaks to East Troops & Policemen & Praises Their Dedicated Roles

Intending to share New Year sentiments and commend the variety of formidable tasks being carried out by Tri service troops, Policemen and Civil Security Department members, Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence on Friday (17) met Tri servicemen, Police, STF and CSD personnel serving the east of the country and extended the gratitude of HE the President for commendable roles of the Armed Forces, Police and CSD personnel in the fight against COVID-19. He also did not forget to share New Year greetings with all of them and their family members, although many could not proceed home for the traditional commemoration due to emergency national commitments.

Upon his arrival at the 22 Division Headquarters in Trincomalee, the Defence Secretary, accompanied by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias and the Chief of the National Intelligence Service, Major General (Retd) Jagath Alwis was received by the Commander Security Forces-East, Major General Rasika Fernando and the General Officer Commanding of the 22 Division, Major General Athula Marasinghe. Following the military formalities, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence was greeted to a drive-past accorded by the soldiers of the 2 (Volunteer) Battalion of the Gajaba Regiment.

Subsequently, the Secretary addressed a gathering of more than 250 officers and other ranks representing Tri services, Police, STF and the CSD serving in all corners of the entire Eastern Province, in which he underlined the praiseworthy roles, being executed by the security personnel at this critical juncture of our society and their contribution to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, he didn’t forget to convey the government’s deep sense of gratitude, seasonal greetings and best wishes of HE the President and Hon Prime Minister at the dawn of the New Year.

A memento was afterwards presented to the visiting Secretary Defence by the Commander, Security Forces - East adding memories of his visit to the location. Commander, Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Ruwan Perera, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police - Eastern Range, Mr Nilantha Jayawardhana, GOCs, Commander FMA (E), Commandant Air Force Academy China Bay and Senior Tri Service Officers in the Eastern Province attended the occasion. Nike sneakers | Women's Designer Sneakers - Luxury Shopping